Do a Quick Tune-up in 4 Easy Steps

Tuning up your mower now means you will have one less task to do in spring. You can do it yourself in a few easy steps. You can also take your mower to a dealer to avoid the spring rush for service.

Step 1: Change the oil. Roll your lawn mower to a well-lit and level outdoor location. Have your operator's manual on hand to refer to. Run the mower for two or three minutes to circulate the oil and remove any small particles that may have settled within the engine. Then turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug from the spark plug lead wire. Simply pull the lead wire end away from the plug end and tie it away from the spark plug using string, twine or tape. This safety precaution will prevent the mower from starting accidentally.

Place some newspaper on a mat beneath the mower. On most walk-behind mowers, you will have to tilt the mower deck to find the oil drain plug beneath the mower deck. Always tilt the mower so that the oil cap on the engine is higher than the rest of the engine. Place a container such as a coffee can, jug or oil pan under the drain plug, and turn the plug counter clockwise to remove it (you may need a wrench). Wait for the old oil to drain from the engine and put the plug back in. Then, simply add fresh oil (be sure the bottle says SAE 30) up to the fill level indicated on your mower. Don't overfill, as it can damage the engine.

Step 2: Check and clean the spark plug. Remove the spark plug from the engine (for this you will need a spark plug socket wrench, widely available at hardware, auto supply and home improvement stores). Turn the wrench until the plug can be removed. Wipe off any deposits on both ends of the plug using a wire brush. Stubborn deposits can be removed with a small knife. Replace the plug. If the plug is more than two years old or is exceptionally dirty, replace it with a new spark plug.

Step 3: Replace the air filter. The air filter keeps dirt and debris out of the engine. To find the air filter on your mower, refer to your operator's manual. The filter is located at the top of the engine, beneath a cover that is opened by loosening either two wing nuts or a pair of screws. The air filter will be made out of paper or foam - be sure to replace it with exactly the same type of filter. Always refer to the operator's manual or engine manual for any additional procedures, as some types of filters need to be oiled before installation while others do not.

Step 4: Add Fuel Preserver. Finally, add fuel stabilizer if you are storing your mower with a full fuel tank. The preserver keeps fuel fresh for easier starting next spring.

Note that some mowers (especially riding mowers) may have a fuel filter and/or an oil filter as well, that should be changed at least annually. Check your operator's manual to determine if this needs to be done.